MD Helicopters 500 Helicopter

The MD 500 is the iconic agile light turbine helicopter — compact, fast and nimble, descended from the Hughes 369/500 and powered by an Allison/Rolls-Royce 250 turbine. The 500D and 500E variants (the E adds a pointed nose and more cabin room) are favourites for utility, law-enforcement, longline and private flying, prized for their performance, responsiveness and rugged dynamic components.

MD Helicopters 500 helicopter for sale

22 used MD Helicopters 500 helicopters for sale · 5-seat · Used median asking $795,000 · updated yesterday

MD Helicopters 500 Specifications

Model spec

The MD Helicopters 500 is a 5-seat single turbine helicopter with a cruise speed of 135 kt (250 km/h), a range of 223–232 nm (413–430 km), and a useful load of 1,500–1,550 lbs (680–703 kg).

Performance
Cruise135 kt (250 km/h)
Range223–232 nm (413–430 km)
Service Ceiling16,000 ft (4,877 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineRolls-Royce 250-C20B
Horsepower420 HP
Fuel Burn30.0–35.0 GPH (114–132 L/h)
TBO3,500 hrs
Weights & Seats
Seats5
Max Gross Weight3,000–3,550 lbs (1,361–1,610 kg)
Useful Load1,500–1,550 lbs (680–703 kg)

MD Helicopters 500 for Sale

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MD Helicopters 500 asking prices range from $539,000 to $1,300,000, with a median of $795,000 (market reference $850,000).

1967 MD Helicopters 369A

1967 MD Helicopters 369A for sale
$425,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,914
Reg# N21772 US
Location Wellington, FL
Via Ludlam Jet
Listed 2mo ago

1970 MD Helicopters 369c 500c

1970 MD Helicopters 369c 500c for sale
$489,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,198
Via TJ Helicopters

1982 MD Helicopters 369

1982 MD Helicopters 369 for sale
$580,495
For Sale
Location Nairobi, Kenya
Listed 2mo ago

1977 MD Helicopters 500C

1977 MD Helicopters 500C for sale
$699,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,260
Reg# N865HS US
Location TX
Via Trinity Aviation
Multiple sources

1979 MD Helicopters 500D

1979 MD Helicopters 500D for sale above typical asking range
$750,000
For Sale
Total Time 9,803
Reg# N451HA US
Location Newton, IA
Via International Aircraft Marketing & Sales
Multiple sources

1977 MD Helicopters 369

1977 MD Helicopters 369 for sale
$774,020 ↓ -$6K
For Sale
Total Time 14,680
Reg# D-HPET Germany
Location Germany
Via S.P. Helicopter Service
Multiple sources

1983 MD Helicopters 500E

1983 MD Helicopters 500E for sale within typical asking range
$795,000 ↓ -$195K
For Sale
Total Time 10,916
Location Aurora, OR
Via PJ Helicopters
Multiple sources

1988 MD Helicopters MD-500 E

1988 MD Helicopters MD-500 E for sale
$850,000
For Sale
Total Time 14,826
Reg# N500SL US
Via AT Aviation Sales
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago

1989 MD Helicopters 500E

1989 MD Helicopters 500E for sale
$995,000
For Sale
Total Time 11,948
Reg# N64RS US
Location NY
Via TransGlobal Aviation
Multiple sources

1989 MD Helicopters 500E

1989 MD Helicopters 500E for sale
$1,300,000
For Sale
Total Time 2,805
Reg# N952SF US
Location Boynton Beach, FL
Via IGB AVIATION
Multiple sources

MD Helicopters 500 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
500N 1980–1995 5 135 kts (250 km/h) 223 nm (413 km) 1,500 lbs (680 kg) — — 1

Compare MD Helicopters 500

See how the MD Helicopters 500 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

MD Helicopters 500 vs Robinson R44 MD Helicopters 500 vs Bell 206 JetRanger MD Helicopters 500 vs Eurocopter H125 MD Helicopters 500 vs Robinson R66

MD Helicopters 500 Price & Cost

How much does a MD Helicopters 500 cost? Used 500 prices: $539K – $1.3M, average $795K (median $795K); market reference $850K, across 7 priced of 22 active listings.

MD Helicopters 500 Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

MD Helicopters 500 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (35.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$21,700/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$80,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$450/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 3,500 hrs)$250,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used MD Helicopters 500

Buying a MD Helicopters 500 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

  • Variant — 500C/500D/500E (and military OH-6 derivatives); verify exact model and configuration.
  • Engine — Allison/Rolls-Royce 250-C20/C30 turbine; verify hours, hot-section and overhaul.
  • Dynamic components & life-limits — main/tail rotor, transmission, life-limited parts remaining are central to value; review the component status sheet.
  • Mission equipment — utility hooks, law-enforcement fits, floats; verify and value.
  • Airframe & logs — corrosion, damage history, and complete maintenance records.

Frequently Asked Questions — MD Helicopters 500

Cost?
From $539,000 to $1,300,000, median $795,000 across 22 listings.
MD 500 vs Robinson R66?
The MD 500 is faster, more agile and more capable for utility/longline work; the
Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed yesterday · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data